Bitter Cold and Wind Chills Expected All Week in Chicago

OEMC Urges Residents to Brace for Cold Temperatures and Check on Neighbors

The Chicago area will experience frigid temperatures over the coming days and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) recommends that Chicagoans take the necessary precautions to stay warm, check on the elderly and the disabled and minimize the risk of these possibly dangerous conditions.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Chicago, temperatures in the single digits and below can be expected through New Year’s Day with wind gusts of up to 35 mph, creating dangerous wind chills. These factors can cause hazardous conditions for those outdoors, as well as increasing the need for heating and causing an increased risk of freezing pipes.

In addition, several inches of snow are forecasted for New Year‘s Eve, which can present hazardous road conditions for those traveling for the holiday.

Be prepared for extreme weather impacts. Dress accordingly, covering exposed skin if outdoors or traveling. Limit pets' outdoor exposure. Keep an emergency kit in vehicles, with cables and blankets, should the need arise. Be sure pipes are properly insulated and not exposed to freezing air. Check carbon monoxide detectors to protect against carbon monoxide leaks from a faulty heating system. Call 3-1-1 for emergency overnight shelter or to locate a warm place to go on holidays or after warming center hours.

Community Service Centers that provide warming facilities on weekdays during the winter months when temperatures fall below 32 degrees are operated by the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). These centers are located throughout the city with operating hours of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Garfield Community Service Center, located at 10 South Kedzie, is open on a 24-hour basis to connect residents to emergency shelters.

The City of Chicago continues to monitor weather conditions with the NWS and inform residents of safeguards for extreme cold weather. For more winter weather preparedness tips, visit www.AlertChicago.com and to receive Chicago emergency and non-emergency notifications, register at www.NotifyChicago.org.